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Collins, 35, was part of the renowned 23 SAS, the regiment of highly-trained reservists, where he acted as a driving instructor, having previously trained in hand-to-hand combat.

'We've known he was The Stig all along - it has been a standing joke within the regiment. He worked as a course instructor in Hereford,' a member of the group told the Sun.

HarperCollins, who will publish the book this month, said in a statement after court: 'This is a victory for freedom of speech.

'Ben Collins has a great story to tell about his seven years as The Stig which will appeal to a wide audience beyond the world of motoring enthusiasts.

'The book, titled The Man in the White Suit, will be published on September 16.'

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Mr Collins, who has acted as Daniel Craig's stunt double in one James Bond film, was named as a possible Stig last year after a builder claimed to have seen the distinctive white outfit at the driver's Bristol home.

Speculation intensified recently after the accounts of his company, Collins Autosport, were found to list 'driving services provided for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear programme'.

The company recorded a ' cornerstone year' in December 2003, a month after The Stig's first appearance on TV.

The BBC remained determined to protect the identity of its Stig, even though taking the fight to court may have cost up to £100,000.

Bosses say revealing who he is would spoil viewers' enjoyment of the popular programme.

After the attempt to win an injunction failed, a spokesman said: 'The Top Gear audience has always made it clear they enjoyed the mystery around the identity of The Stig. The BBC felt it important to protect that anonymity.

'The BBC brought this action as we believe it is vital to protect the character of The Stig, which ultimately belongs to the licence-fee payer.'

Sources suggested that the BBC was unlikely to appeal yesterday's decision. When the identity of the first incarnation of The Stig, who wore a black suit, was revealed as Perry McCarthy, he was 'killed off'.

Top Gear bosses are now deciding whether to introduce a new Stig - in a different coloured suit - or not bring him back at all.

The BBC refused to rule anything out, saying it would not talk about plans for the next series yet.